The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will open an office in the Niger's capital Niamey to follow up implementation of three programs aimed at securing sustainable solutions to Niger's harsh conditions, according to the Organization's Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. In this context, he referred to the International Donor Conference, held last month in Doha, to consolidate Food Security in Niger. "The primary aim of this conference, attended by 76 countries and international organizations, was to raise $300 million over a period of five years to help Niger build up a strategic food stock, combat desertification and low agricultural output in order to prevent the recurrence of famine. By the end of the two-day conference, the participants had pledged $370 million," he said. "The conference was a resounding success. Governments, international organizations and civil societies demonstrated their commitment to helping a fellow country overcome a recurring natural calamity that kept holding it back from marching towards growth and development. This is humanitarian solidarity in action," Ihsanoglu said in a foreword to the latest edition "July-September 2007" issued by the OIC. He affirmed that OIC's Niamey office would follow up implementation of these programs in cooperation with the government of Niger with full transparency and dedication. "Let us put our words and commitments into action and held end a humanitarian crisis." --MORE
